Continuing its tradition of drawing attention to the nation’s most pressing health issues in such presentations as Addiction and The Alzheimer’s Project, HBO Documentary Films® addresses the obesity epidemic in America, in the 4-part documentary series The Weight of the Nation. Three years in the making, The Weight of the Nation brings together the country’s leading research institutions in a national initiative to help shed light on solutions to restore our individual and collective health. The Weight of the Nation is a presentation of HBO and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.

This is one of the best shows I have seen in a long time giving a very realistic and frightening view of the issues in our society of eating, and obesity. Every parent should view this with their kids, every politician should watch this to see the state of our nation... eye opening.

Every family in America needs to sit down together and watch this 4 part film. Most will be shocked to find what they call food is NOT. NO nutrition. NO energy. Can't build bones or muscle. Kills off your brain cells and does more harm than good. Fat people can't run, Fat people can't hide so how in blazes do they ever think they can defend themselves? They can't quality for the police force, fire department or the militay -- so WHO will do those jobs?

If you have any health knowledge at all, you will gain very little from this. I have seen many health documents that provided a higher level of education. If you know nothing about health and wellness, this might be good for you.

My wife and I purchased this documentary because we run a radio program where we try to open up people's minds and learn. Topics have a wide range and currently we are trying to raise our own awareness about what we eat and how our weight effects us. As well as sharing with others, we have watched several documentaries on food and health.

I am a health educator/certified personal trainer and parent of seven children. We lead a very healthy and active lifestyle at home and the series provides a clear understanding of why we eat/exercise as we do. It will be a great tool in my practice as well. Statistics provided leave no room for interpretation of the recommendations.

I am a health coach and work to help people understand the importance of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight for the right reasons. This series does a masterful job of showing the problem and offering hope. It is one of my most powerful tools. I wish I could give a copy to everyone! Must-see series! Kudos to HBO!